Marine Scientist and Advocate

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one third of the world’s wild fish catch. With over 100 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world.

Our international team of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals, plus other sea life and their ecosystems from overfishing, disrupting fishing practices and pollution, amongst others.

Position Summary

OCEANA seeks an experienced Marine Scientist and Advocate to be part of our European team, to develop and implement a campaign on transnational marine protection in the Baltic Sea. This project involves two components: (1) at-sea research to document marine biodiversity in the Quark (shared between Finland and Sweden) and; (2) policy work to advance the protection of the Quark, and of the Sound (shared between Denmark and Sweden), building on Oceana’s previous research and policy work in this area.

Major Responsibilities

The candidate will be responsible, in collaboration with other members of the Oceana team, for carrying out policy, work with local authorities and national governments in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden to improve marine protection in the Baltic Sea via transboundary marine protected areas (MPAs), namely in the Sound and the Quark. She/he will also help to plan and carry out a 15-day at-sea research expedition, to document marine biodiversity and threats in the Quark.

He/she will contribute to Oceana’s broader European campaign plans and successfully achieve project goals. Specifically, she/he will:

• Engage in active and direct policy, work with local and national authorities in Denmark and Sweden, to advance the declaration of the Sound as a MPA.
• Engage in policy work with local and national authorities, in Finland and Sweden, to lay the basis for the process for establishing a transboundary MPA in the Quark.  
• Prepare background scientific information on the Quark, by consulting scientific literature and local experts.
• Participate in a 15-day research expedition in the Quark to document habitats, species, and threats to biodiversity; work in close collaboration with other scientists, photographers/videographers, and professional SCUBA divers aboard the vessel.
• Record, compile, and analyses expedition data; identify benthic and pelagic species filmed by divers.
• Prepare scientific reports, based on the Quark expedition findings, which will be used as a tool for advocating the protection and management of the area.
• Produce other materials, fact sheets, policy papers and other policy materials as required.
• Organize and participate in meetings with key local, regional, and national stakeholders in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization, in front of a wide variety of audiences, including media.

Position Qualifications

Experience

At least three years’ experience in policy campaign and/or science work, preferably in marine conservation. At-sea research experience and experience from the Baltic Sea is also essential.

Education

A degree in marine science, biology or a related discipline.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong communication skills, both written and spoken. Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English and in Swedish or Danish. Finnish is a plus.
• She/he must be able to synthesize large amounts of information, and to feed this information into a policy context. Understanding of international, European Union and regional processes in marine conservation is an asset.
• Be a consummate team player with a strong interest in marine environmental issues, and capable of working independently. Oceana is an international, multicultural NGO, and the position involves regular teamwork with staff from Oceana’s European offices and with the crew onboard the vessel; strong team work skills are therefore required.
• Excellent networking skills. Candidates must be able to work in cooperation and engage in discussions with variety of stakeholders, including government decision-makers, public administrations, industry, and other non-governmental organizations. 
• The successful candidate will be able to work under tight deadlines, and to maintain secrecy and confidentiality when working with sensitive information.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally is also required

A position profile does not imply that the duties stated are the only ones to be performed by the incumbent. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction as requested by their manager.

Additional information

This full-time position is expected to start 01/03/2018 and finish 31/12/2019. The work will be carried-out in close cooperation with other Oceana staff in the Copenhagen, Brussels and Madrid offices.

Gross annual salary is 45.000€ to 49.000€, depending on experience.

This is 5 days/week position, but during the expedition work on weekends will be required.

 The candidate is expected to start by 1 March 2018.

To apply for the position, please, send your resume with motivation letter, with Ref: MS-A01/18, before 9 February 2018, to:

applicants-europe@oceana.org